In Nigeria we call this nutritious edible creature ‘Periwinkle’ or ‘Isam’ and the scientific name is ‘Littorina littorea’ I was watching a documentary on SPICE TV DSTV I97 and there was this cultural festival celebrated in Calabar; South Southern part of Nigeria with their cultural clothing inspired by the periwinkle.
I love Periwinkle! it is very expensive and a cup actually costs nothing less than 400 Naira in the local market. Apart from the notable protein sources in Nigeria such as beef, chicken, fish, pork and so on, the periwinkle is a major source of protein. It is very low in fat and without cholesterol. periwinkles also contain omega three fatty acids which is very essential to the body and this helps in growth and proper functioning of the body. It is also a good source of minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus which are important for bone health and also for the teeth. The periwinkle contained a lot of nutritional values essential for people of all ages including children and pregnant women.
Periwinkles can be picked on both open coast and estuary habitats from the upper intertidal zones and can tolerate salinities down to around 13 part per thousand (unit for measuring salinity). Though mostly abundant on rocky substrates, the shell fish can equally be found on muddy or sandy bottoms. In favourable habitations, it reaches densities of up to 200-800 whorls per square metre. Periwinkles are common in African, British and Irish cuisine, and they are sold on open markets in buckets, trays or baskets. African and Nigerian cooks (especially in the south) regard it as a delicacy.
Highly valued for their taste, periwinkle consumption is not only limited to Nigerians; since it plays an important role in our dishes especially those who live in the coastal region or the Southern part of Nigeria. Don’t worry about the hard work of cleaning this awesome little creature though you REALLY have to wash them thoroughly before cooking. I can tell you that eating periwinkles is definitely an experience that is worth it.
Now I will share with you three different soups that can not be complete without periwinkles.
My first is native soup. A bowl of native soup filled with periwinkles is the best thing that can ever happen in your life…..Just try this!
My first is native soup. A bowl of native soup filled with periwinkles is the best thing that can ever happen in your life…..Just try this!
Second is Egusi soup. I add periwinkles to my Egusi soup in addition to the orishirishi; kpomo, towel…..it just makes the soup COMPLETE and makes you sing HALLELUYAH like never before.
And also, to my okro and vegetable soup…….it gives it that AHAAAAA local and nutritious taste. Definitely awesome and worth trying.
Periwinkles can work with other local dishes. Please share what other dishes we can make with periwinkle. Look forward to you sharing your ideas….
Cheers.
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